All Forum Posts by: Julia Lyrberg

Hi Nicholas, It sounds like you’re in a great position to scale your portfolio! For your next steps, focus on identifying areas in Northeastern PA with strong rental demand and property values that align with your cash flow goals. Look into factors like vacancy rates, local job growth, and tenant demand to pinpoint promising markets.

Once you find a property, work on running the numbers carefully—factor in purchase price, rehab costs (if applicable), property management fees, and reserves. After securing a deal, your focus will shift to closing, finding tenants, and setting up efficient management.

If you haven’t already, building relationships with local agents, contractors, and property managers in PA can save you a lot of time and hassle

Hi Miki,

Welcome! It's great to see you diving into real estate investing, especially with a focused strategy like BRRRR and flipping. Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas have some great opportunities, and it's smart to connect with local investors and agents to get a feel for the market.

You're on the right track! Start by scheduling a walk-through to assess the property and confirm renovation needs. Bring a contractor to get accurate estimates for your rehab budget. Double-check the ARV by comparing recent comps in the area to make sure the numbers add up.

Run your numbers again with all costs (purchase, rehab, holding, and resale) to confirm the margins are solid. If you're considering private funding or investor partnerships, now’s a good time to explore those. An attorney can help review contracts, especially if private funds or partnerships are involved.

You’ve got this—good luck with your first flip!

That’s great that your son is so into real estate at such a young age! Starting with the basics like saving and budgeting is definitely a good move, but it sounds like he’s ready for some beginner-friendly real estate concepts too, like analyzing properties or understanding cash flow.

Books like Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens or podcasts like BiggerPockets Rookie could be a great fit. You could even involve him in analyzing a deal for fun or have him create a “mock” investment plan. Shadowing or connecting with a mentor might be something to consider down the road, but for now, small steps like these can keep his interest growing without overwhelming him.

Hi Alex,

You're off to a great start, and it's awesome that you already have clear goals in mind! House hacking is a great strategy for beginners—it lets you reduce your living expenses while building equity. With an FHA loan, you can finance a 2-4 unit property, live in one unit, and rent out the others to cover your mortgage. It's a great way to learn property management and start generating cash flow.

Focusing on cosmetic fixes like paint, flooring, or light remodeling is a smart approach too—manageable projects that can still add a lot of value. Stick to neighborhoods around Indianapolis or nearby suburbs that have strong rental demand.

Hi Robert,

Instead of investing in expensive coaching programs, I’d highly recommend diving into some well-regarded real estate investment books. They’re a fraction of the cost and packed with valuable insights. Books like “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” by Gary Keller, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, or “The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner can give you a solid foundation in REI strategies, including wholesaling.

Most of the content offered in coaching programs can be found in books, free webinars, forums like BiggerPockets, and YouTube channels. You’ll save a lot of money and still build the knowledge you need to succeed. Start with books and self-education before considering any paid courses!

Hi Nedim,

It sounds like you have a clear vision of your goals, which is great! Honestly, purchasing courses might not be necessary since most of the information you're seeking—like drafting a strategy, understanding CRE, and building a team—is readily available online for free or at minimal cost. You can find excellent resources on YouTube, BiggerPockets, and through local REI meetups. Networking locally in Lake Tahoe/Reno can also help you connect with experienced investors and professionals in your market. Save your money for your first deal and dive into self-education and local connections instead!

Best of luck!

Hey Nik, welcome back to real estate investing! With your construction and development background, you’re already bringing a ton of valuable experience to the table. Flipping or rental properties seem like a natural fit for you. This is a great place to connect with like-minded investors and mentors, Best of luck as you dive back in!

Hi Kelly, welcome to the forums! House hacking definitely isn’t dead—it’s just trickier in today’s market with higher prices. If you can find the right duplex, renting out one unit while living in the other can still help you cut down your housing costs a lot. It might not always be fully rent-free, but it’s a great way to get started and build equity. Focusing on appreciation is a solid plan, and house hacking can be a smart first step to grow your portfolio. Good luck!

Selling could definitely be an option, especially if you’re feeling uneasy about the numbers working out. Once the renovations are complete, the property might appeal to owner-occupants or investors, and you could potentially recoup your costs and free up capital for a more profitable deal. Before deciding, run the numbers to see how much you’d net after closing costs and fees, and compare that to holding the property with the current rental projections. If selling puts you in a better position to move forward confidently, it might be the right call.